South Africa’s food scene is all about bold flavors and great variety. Whether you’re looking for street food or a fancy dinner, the local cuisine offers a bit of everything. From barbecued meats to spicy stews, eating in South Africa is all about finding good food at every corner. Here are some of the top dishes and places you’ll want to try while you’re there.
The Classic BBQ Feast: Braai
A South African “braai” is a must-try. It’s similar to a barbecue, but there’s a lot more heart and tradition behind it. Meats like boerewors (a coiled sausage made from different types of meat), steak, and lamb chops are grilled over a wood or charcoal fire. A braai isn’t complete without some popular sides like “pap” (a maize porridge) and “chakalaka” (a spicy vegetable relish). It’s not just about food, though—it’s about bringing people together.
Where to Try a Braai
Head to local markets, especially on weekends, to join in on a public braai. Or for something a bit more upscale, Mzoli’s in Cape Town offers some of the best grilled meat you can find.
Durban’s Bunny Chow
Bunny chow is South Africa’s unique twist on Indian curry. This dish originated in Durban, home to a large Indian community. It’s a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. It can be made with chicken, lamb, or beans, and it’s eaten using the leftover chunks of bread. No utensils needed here!
Where to Try Bunny Chow
For the best bunny chow, head to the markets in Durban or small, local curry shops. Gounden’s is a local favorite.
Biltong: The Beef Snack You Can’t Miss
Biltong is like jerky, but way better. It’s thinly sliced, air-dried beef (or sometimes game meat) with spices and herbs. It’s a staple snack and pretty much available everywhere: from supermarkets to street vendors. It’s super portable, so you can enjoy it while you’re exploring.
Best Places for Biltong
You can find biltong at almost any grocery store or butcher around the country. Some higher-end markets, like the Neighbourgoods Market in Johannesburg, will offer premium versions.
Bobotie: A Sweet and Savory Mix
Bobotie is one of South Africa’s signature dishes. It’s a baked dish made from minced meat, usually beef or lamb, seasoned with curry spices and topped with a creamy egg custard. The mix of sweet and savory flavors brings together influences from South Africa’s diverse culinary history. Served with yellow rice, it’s a real comfort dish.
Where to Find Bobotie
Head to Cape Malay restaurants, especially in the Bo-Kaap area of Cape Town, a colorful quarter rich in history and cuisine. Biesmiellah is particularly loved by both locals and visitors.
Street Food Favorites: Vetkoek and Gatsbys
When it comes to street food, vetkoek and gatsbys are two of the most popular eats in South Africa. Vetkoek is a deep-fried dough typically stuffed with minced meat or served with syrup. It’s cheap, filling, and delicious. Gatsbys, on the other hand, are over-the-top sandwiches filled with meats, fries, and all sorts of sauces. They’re massive—definitely something to share.
Where to Find Street Food
Local food stalls and street vendors are where you’ll find the best vetkoek. In Cape Town, try gatsbys at Mariam’s Kitchen or Golden Dish.
Mouth-Watering Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss koeksisters and malva pudding. Koeksisters are fried dough treats soaked in syrup—crispy on the outside, sticky and sweet on the inside. Malva pudding is a warm, spongy cake made with apricot jam and served with a rich cream or custard. It’s comfort in a bowl.
Where to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings
Bakeries across the country will have fresh koeksisters. For malva pudding, almost every South African restaurant will have this dessert on the menu. Try Kaapse Tannie in Cape Town for a great version.
Where to Eat: From Markets to Fine Dining
The Neighbourgoods Market in Johannesburg and the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Cape Town are awesome spots for trying local food in a relaxed, open-air setting. You’ll find everything from fresh veggies to artisanal treats and local specialties.
After something more upmarket? La Colombe in Cape Town offers a fine dining experience with local ingredients, while The Test Kitchen offers experimental South African food that’s led the city’s dining scene for years.
Final Tips
When in South Africa, don’t forget to try the local wines. The country’s wine regions, like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are known for reds and whites that pair perfectly with the heavy flavors of South African food.
Overall, eating in South Africa will offer you flavors and experiences that reflect the country’s long and diverse history. You’ll find influences from Dutch, Malay, Indian, and indigenous cuisines all blending together in a single bite.
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